Willett's Winery & Cellar was established at 105 East Market Street in Manito, IL, in 2005, five years after the initiation of an 8 acre vineyard and orchard located near Spring Lake in Tazewell County.
The current home of Willett's Winery & Cellar, purchased in 2003, was originally built as a harness shop in about 1893. Much of the building was destroyed by fire in 1914, but later rebuilt.
Upon the decision to create the winery in the building, renovations began, including the revealing of the natural wood structure, creation of the two cellar-viewing windows, the addition of a 2000 square-foot tank room and cooler, and the creation of an outdoor courtyard. The result is European ambiance in a small town.
Life is not without irony, as it was discovered during the planning and preparation for the opening of the winery that owners Dan and Cris Willett's heritage included wine making. Dan's great-grandfather made his own wine in Manito in the early 1900's, and family traditions that have included home wine-making have been presented in both Dan and Cris' families.